Improper cellular regeneration compromises healing, accelerates ageing and is involved in cancer development. Cell replacement is achieved by cell division. Reversible phosphorylation controls many cellular processes, including cell division and membrane trafficking. We are combining global phospho-proteomics, high-throughput screening microscopy with classical biochemistry and cell biology assays to dissect the mechanisms of phospho-regulation of membrane trafficking during cell division. These studies are expected to contribute to our global understanding of the regulation of cellular membrane exchanges, cell division and regeneration.

This project is funded by a 2011 BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship

Project 2: Mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis

Endocytosis is the process by which cells acquire substances from the extracellular space and internalise transmembrane cell surface proteins, of which receptors are a major class. The process occurs through invaginations of the plasma membrane forming endocytic vesicles that, once pinched off the surface, are transported to endosomes and, from there, sorted to the appropriated cellular destinations depending on the fate of the receptor. We recently discovered a new pathway of endocytosis, theFast Endophilin-Mediated Endocytosis (FEME) pathway (Boucrot et al. 2015 Nature; Renard et al. 2015 Nature). Our goal is to establish the functions and molecular mechanisms of this novel route of entry into cells.